Miniature Fox Terrier
Also called Mini Foxie, Little Foxie
From Australia, where it developed as a farm and household ratter.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
short smooth coat
A fine, close-lying, short and dense coat on a small, neat and athletic body.1
Personality what they are like
A bright, self-assured little terrier that is loving and loyal with its people. It settles well into family life and still keeps a keen hunting streak.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A lively working terrier that enjoys regular walks and play; it is still used to control rodents on Australian farms.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, clean coat needs very little upkeep.1
Home where they are happiest
Fits easily into small homes or farms; keep small pets such as rats or reptiles safely apart, as it sees them as prey.1
Company who they like around
Accepts its place in the household well and is known as a good family companion, including with children.1
The story where it all began
The Mini Foxie grew out of crosses between small Fox Terriers and Toy Manchester Terriers in Australia, with later touches of English Toy Terrier and Whippet. By the late 1800s it was a familiar ratter on farms across the country, and a breed club formed in 1986 to preserve it.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- ANKC
- Not recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council.1
- Mini Foxie Club of Australia Inc.
- Independent club that keeps the breed's pedigree registry; the Miniature Fox Terrier Club of Australia was formed in July 1986.1
- NSW Companion Animals Act
- The names Miniature Fox Terrier and Mini Foxie were added to the breeds listed under the Act in 2005.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Miniature Fox Terrier. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Hand strippingHand stripping keeps the harsh texture; clipping also worksevery 12 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Miniature Fox Terrier, and at what times?
Feed your Miniature Fox Terrier at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. This routine suits their small stomachs and keeps their energy steady.12 Furry Diary plan
What should a Miniature Fox Terrier eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A balanced dog food that meets your vet's recommendations is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these can be very harmful to dogs.13 Furry Diary plan
How often should I bathe a Miniature Fox Terrier?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty. Their short, clean coat needs very little upkeep, so a bath every three months is usually fine.14 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Miniature Fox Terrier need brushing?
Brush your Miniature Fox Terrier once a week to keep their short, smooth coat neat and remove loose hair. This is easy and helps keep their coat healthy.14 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Miniature Fox Terrier's nails, and how often?
Trim your dog's nails every 21 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain and bleeding.4 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Miniature Fox Terrier need?
This lively terrier needs daily walks and playtime to stay happy and healthy. They enjoy regular activity and still have a keen hunting streak, so keep them entertained.1 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Miniature Fox Terrier's teeth and ears?
Brush your dog's teeth daily with a pet-safe toothpaste, and check their ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the ear canal. This helps prevent dental and ear problems.4 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Miniature Fox Terrier live?
Miniature Fox Terriers are a healthy breed with a good lifespan. For specific numbers, ask your vet, as it varies with individual care and genetics.
Is a Miniature Fox Terrier good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are known as good family companions and settle well with children. However, keep small pets like rats or reptiles safely apart, as they see them as prey.1
Can a Miniature Fox Terrier be left alone?
They accept their place in the household well and can be left for reasonable periods, but they thrive on companionship. For specific guidance on alone time, ask a good breeder or your vet.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Miniature Fox Terrier en.wikipedia.orgused for all fields
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.